El-Shaddai (Almighty Sustainer) Genesis 17, Exodus 6

EL-Shaddai has a two-fold meaning among the many names of God. God himself uses this name in his personal references to Abraham and Moses. The name means “God Almighty”, but, it also carries with it the aspect of sustainer and protector. When God spoke to Abraham and entered into covenant with him, he said he would make Abraham the father of many nations. In that promise, God spoke of his might; but, also he also spoke of his protection and provision.

In Exodus, when God called Moses to free Israel, He introduced Himself as the Almighty God that built Israel and promised Canaan, to the Israelites as their land. Once again, his might unquestioned, and his promise to deliver and sustain his people–in focus. God, as he addresses those he has called, not only reminds them of his might, but, he reminds them of his desire and ability to sustain them. Abraham, Moses, Job, Ruth all saw God as the almighty sustainer of life.

So, we also need to revere God’s power and believe in his ability to sustain and lead us on this journey. His covenant with Abraham includes us, his adopted children. We walk by faith, knowing the God that built Israel, led them to freedom and gave them the promised land–is equally committed to our deliverance, provision and safe completion of this journey, the amazing journey he has laid out for us!

God Bless You

Genesis 17

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to himand said, “I am God Almighty[a]; walk before me faithfully and be blameless.2 Then I will make my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers.”

3 Abram fell facedown, and God said to him,4 “As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations.5 No longer will you be called Abram[b]; your name will be Abraham,[c] for I have made you a father of many nations.6 I will make you very fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you.7 I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you.

Exodus 6

God also said to Moses, “I am the Lord.3 I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob as God Almighty,[a] but by my name the Lord[b] I did not make myself fully known to them.4 I also established my covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan, where they resided as foreigners.5 Moreover, I have heard the groaning of the Israelites, whom the Egyptians are enslaving, and I have remembered my covenant